What makes AYSO different?
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AYSO's Visionis to provide world class youth soccer programs that enrich children's lives.
AYSO's Missionis to develop and deliver quality youth soccer programs which promote a fun, family environment based on AYSO’s six philosophies:
• Everyone Plays
• Balanced Teams
• Open Registration
• Positive Coaching
• Good Sportsmanship
• Player Development
Click here to view AYSO’s Philosophies
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How old / young does my child need to be to play AYSO soccer?
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| Children between 4 and 18 can play AYSO Soccer. Children must turn 4 years old by December 31st to qualify for Fall soccer. |
When and where will my child be playing games and having practices?
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| Region 727 host practices and games at the Swan Pond Sports Complex (101 Swan Pond Circle Rd. Harriman, TN). |
Besides registration, what other soccer expenses should I expect?
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Not included in the registration fees are the required shin guards, appropriate shoes, and a strongly recommended practice ball. In addition, the team parents will possibly request donations for an end of season team party and a small gift for the coach. Also, each family is often requested to bring snacks for the team at one game during the season.
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In what age group will my child play? |
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Can I request coaches?
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We understand that friends often wish to play together and that transportation may also play into the request. Coach requests will be considered but are not guaranteed. For a coach request to be considered, you must submit it on your registration form in the notes section. The only guaranteed players on a team are the Head and Assistant coaches children. We will do our best to honor requests, but please understand that we have a responsibility to our "Balanced Teams" philosophy over all else.
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What is the duration of games? |
The length of game is dependent on the age division your child plays in, Here is a good estimate of game durations:
6U • <40 minutes
8U • 40 minutes
10U • 50 minutes
12U • 60 minutes
14U • 70 minutes
16U • 80 minutes
19U • 80 minutes |
What size soccer ball should I get for my child? |
8U and below • Size 3 ball
10U thru 12U • Size 4 ball
14U and above • Size 5 ball |
What should I bring to my child's practices and games? |
Shin guards (required), cleats (preferred) or closed toe tennis shoes, a soccer ball, uniform (games only) and water. Also, bringing a well rested, well hydrated, nutritionally balanced child with a positive attitude and willingness to learn is highly recommended!
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Do I have to get soccer cleats for my child to play?
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No, soccer cleats are not mandatory but are highly recommended (regular athletic shoes with no cleats are the alternative). When buying soccer cleats, they cannot have a toe cleat (baseball and football shoes have a toe cleat). Generally speaking, nearly all players at all age levels use soccer shoes for practices and games.
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Why are the children required to wear their soccer socks over their shin guards?
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| Safety is the primary reason. Some types of shin guards are hard shell instead of soft, and may have sharp edges that could injure a player. By wearing their socks over the shin guards, players protect each other. Also, wearing the socks over the shin guards prevent the shin guards from shifting during running or when being kicked, which allow the shin guards to protect the areas they are supposed to. |
Is it OK for players to wear jewelry during practices and games? |
No. Jewelry of any kind (necklaces, watches, earrings, rings, bracelets, etc.) cannot be worn during practice or games.
There is an exception for Med-Alert bracelets, but they must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band for the safety of your child and all the other players.
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The doctor said that my child can play with his arm splint. Will AYSO allow him/her to play?
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No. While the doctor may be representing your child’s interest appropriately, the risk to other players mandates that he/she limit their participation to that of moral support on the sidelines. Players may not wear casts or splints which could possibly cause injury to himself/herself or another player. NO EXCEPTIONS. This applies at the games as well as at practices.
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What about eyeglasses and hearing aids?
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Glasses, hearing aids, and med-alerts may be worn to practices and games. The use of an eyeglass holder/strap or sports-glasses is recommended. As stated above, Med-Alerts must be completely covered with tape or a soft cloth band as a safety measure.
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It can be cold during the late Fall and early Spring season. Can my child wear a sweatshirt/pants during the games?
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Any extra articles of clothing must be worn under the uniform (so you can still determine which team a player is associated with). It is recommended that any extra articles of clothing be limited to undershirts or turtle necks (under the uniform). Try to coordinate with your team’s colors if possible. Any extra articles cannot have any zippers or any plastic/metal components of any kind.
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What kinds of hair accessories are acceptable?
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Any hair accessories should not be made of metal or plastic, and should not be rigid. Soft hair accessories such as “scrunchies” and soft rubber bands are recommended and acceptable.
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Can I bring my dog to practices or games? |
No! Dogs are not allowed at any AYSO practices or games. If you bring your dogs to an AYSO field, you will be asked to remove the dog and/or leave. We love our pets too, but this is not the place for them. And yes, we understand she's just a little lap dog, but we can't make any exceptions on this one.
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How are teams formed? |
We follow one of AYSO's core principles when forming teams:Balanced Teams. This means that teams are formed as balanced as possible based on the following criteria (when available), in order: (1) ratings from coach from prior year and/or pre-season evaluation (2) years of soccer experience, (3) school grade (in multi-grade divisions), and (4) gender (for co-ed divisions).
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The season is approaching. When will I find out what team my child is on?
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| Your coach will be contacting you within a few weeks of the start of the season to introduce him or herself. Although email is a preferred method of communication for most of our coaches, make sure to get their current phone number when they call. If you've not heard from your coach, PLEASE BE PATIENT. He or she is working hard to get ready for the season. |